The Heritage Academy Patriots will square off against the Starkville Yellowjackets at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. Heritage Academy has given up an average of 8.5 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.
Heritage Academy fought the good fight in their extra-innings match against Marshall Academy on Friday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They took a 12-8 hit to the loss column at the hands of Marshall Academy.
Adyn Westmoreland made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4. Another player making a difference was Charlie Fowler, who scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Starkville). They never let Vicksburg get on the board and left with a 23-0 win on Friday. With that victory, the Yellowjackets brought their scoring average up to 7.5 runs per game.
William Henry looked comfortable as he didn't allow a single earned run while striking out seven over four innings pitched. Those seven strikeouts gave him a new career-high.
At the plate, Marcus Hendrix was incredible, going 2-for-3 with five RBI, three runs, and one triple. He also put up a double, which was his first of the season. Casen Sanders was another key player, scoring three runs while going 3-for-3.
Starkville hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their strikeout total in five consecutive contests.
Heritage Academy's defeat ended a five-game streak of wins at home dating back to last season and dropped them to 3-5. They've dominated over that stretch too, winning by an average of 9.2 runs. As for Starkville, their win bumped their record up to 4-2.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Heritage Academy has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Starkville struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Heritage Academy suffered a grim 18-2 defeat to Starkville in their previous meeting back in February of 2024. Will Heritage Academy have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.
